Soldier Sentenced to Death for Murdering Girlfriend

The Nigerian Army’s General Court Martial at the 82 Division Headquarters in Enugu has sentenced Private Adamu Mohammed to death by hanging for the murder of his girlfriend, Miss Hauwa Ali. Private Abubakar Yusuf was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for robbery.

The court was inaugurated on February 18, 2025, by Major General Oluyemi Olatoye to try serious offences by soldiers within the division. The 11-member panel delivered the sentences after a detailed review of evidence and service records.

Brigadier General Sadisu Buhari, President of the court, said Private Mohammed was found guilty of murder under Section 106(a) of the Armed Forces Act. “The GCM has determined that the accused soldier, 21NA/80/6365 Private Adamu Mohammed, is hereby sentenced to death by hanging for the charge of murder,” Buhari declared. The verdict was unanimous despite mitigation pleas.

Private Mohammed had been detained since April 2024 after the murder occurred within the division’s Airborne and Amphibious unit. His girlfriend was discovered near the officers’ quarters.

Private Yusuf was convicted for robbery at an Enugu mall under Section 107(1)(b) of the Armed Forces Act. The court could not unanimously impose the maximum sentence, resulting in a 10-year jail term under Section 140(3).

The sentences await confirmation by military authorities. The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to discipline and professionalism, noting that the actions of a few do not represent the army’s values.